IND vs BAN: "I Saw Many Big Names Making That Comment On Rishabh Pant"- Mohammad Kaif On Speculations About Wicket-keeper Being Next Indian Test Skipper

Published - 23 Dec 2022, 03:55 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:15 AM

Rishabh Pant (PC-Getty Images)

Rishabh Pant, the standout wicketkeeper-batsman for Team India, has come under heavy fire recently for his patchy performance in the limited-overs forms. Pant had underperformed for the team during the ODI series against New Zealand in November and was out with an injury for the Bangladesh ODIs.

The most notable of Pant’s spectacular efforts in the limited overs games this year was the century he scored against England in the series-deciding game at Old Trafford.

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Pant performed counter-attacking innings after India was down to 38/3 in the 260-run chase. He remained unbeaten on 125 and formed a crucial 133-run partnership with Hardik Pandya (71), ultimately leading India to a renowned victory. Pant put up another strong performance on Day 2 of the second Test in the current Test series against Bangladesh, saving India from disaster after the team had collapsed to 94/4 in the first innings.

No Need To Put Unnecessary Pressure On Rishabh Pant: Mohammad Kaif

There is no need to put Pant under unnecessary strain, according to former India great Mohammed Kaif, who collaborated with Pant while the latter was playing for the Delhi Capitals. Kaif talked in-depth about the wicketkeeper-batter’s critique.

“When anyone scores a hundred, they say, ‘he should be the next captain’. I’ve a problem with that. I saw many big names making that comment on Rishabh Pant. He’s young, if he scores a hundred while batting aggressively, let him play for a while. He brings that X-factor,” Kaif said during a mid-match show on Sony Sports on Day 1 of the second Test.

“The series was at 1-1, all of our top batters were back in the dugout. Not many people can come at that time and smash a century. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav – all were dismissed by then. When he has that X-factor, you have to let him play his own free-flowing way. Don’t put unnecessary pressure on him,” Kaif further stated.